Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01 April 24 Period start date To 31 Mar 25 Period end date
Charity name: Peter Pan Pre School
Charity registration number: 1062788
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | To manage the affairs and interests of, and act on behalf of, Peter Pan Pre School, thus enabling the Pre School to provide high quality care and education for children below statutory school age from Armed Forces families living in the local area. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
• To open bank accounts. • To raise money to pay for the Pre School’s activities. • To make such payments as necessary. • To fix and collect the fees payable in respect of children attending the Pre School. • To provide accommodation and equipment required by the Pre School. • To employ such suitable paid and unpaid staff, and volunteers, agents and advisors as maybe required from time to time. • To offer volunteering opportunities. • To sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Pre School’s property subject to complying with the provisions of the Charities Act 1993 Sections 36 and 37. • To provide indemnity insurance to cover the liability of the Committee members. • To insure the property and assets of the Pre School against any foreseeable risk and to take out other insurance policies to protect the Pre School as required. • To work with similar Groups and support agencies and exchange information and advice with them as appropriate. |
| • We forge links with other Charities and support them if appropriate. |
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|---|---|---|
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | The Pre School has in the past offered bursaries and free places to families experiencing financial or social difficulties in order to give children the opportunity to enter a structured Early Years Environment however we have not been able to offer this during this financial year due to having very low numbers of children on role and in addition as we are not in the financial position to do so. |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | Not applicable due to our current financial position |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | The committee is made up entirely of volunteers. This year we have been successful in recruiting a new Deputy Chair and committee member however we have continued to find it impossible to recruit committee members from the military community and parents. Any voluntary links that we had with the civilian community have been lost as an impact of Covid but we continue to explore options of attracting new volunteers such as working with civilian staff at the Army Training Centre who are able to use volunteer days and working with other local organisations. We can offer a variety of volunteering opportunities for people who want to come in on a more ad hoc basis to do specific tasks or read to the children or just gain experience in the workplace before pursuing a career in Early Years. We do occasionally have parents who come into read to the children and assist with specific theme days. |
| Other |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | 1. The Government funded extended free 30 hours for working parents continued in this F/Y capped and remains capped at 16 places although we cannot offer this number of places due to insufficient staff. We offer 15 hours free funded places for 2 years olds in line with government policy but again this is capped at 4 per day due to lack of staff to meet set ratios. This is continually reviewed and enables spouses to seek employment. 2. The Pre School continues to work collaboratively with our three local primary schools, Head Teachers, Home School Link Workers, Family Support Workers and Surrey Early Years, Home Start and other partner agencies to improve the outcomes for our children and families. 3. We celebrated with national events i.e. St Georges Day, St David’s Day, St Patricks, Diwali, Ramadan, Eid etc which represents the diverse population and ethnicity of our children. 4. We commemorate Remembrance Day with activities. 5. Staff and Children enjoy taking part in Children in Need raising money for Charity and doing various activities... 6. We held a graduation Ceremony for Children Transitioning to Year R in Primary School parents and carers are invited to this. 7. We held a Sports Day which is attended by parents and carers and is supported by staff from the Gymnasium Army Training Centre. 8. We run a Closed Facebook page to communicate with our families and showcase our activities and achievements. 9. We have an Open Facebook page in order to try to attract new families that areposted into Pirbright. |
- We celebrate World Book Day where children are invited to come in dressed as their favourite book characters. 11. We celebrate World Rhyme Week 12. We communicate regularly with parents by email and hard copy with newsletters and information for Parents and Carers. 13. We update parents regularly on any changes to our Policies and Procedures and news to keep families up to date and compliant with Policy. 14. We continue to offer employment and training opportunities to service spouses and people from the local community. 15. We focus on CPD for all members of staff to include additional training such as Makaton, Forest School and Paediatric First Aid. This was done virtually and face to face during this reporting year. 16. We have ceased out sponsorship at Mane Chance due to our financial situation. 17. At Harvest Festival we organised a collection for the Trussell Trust Food Bank Woking Branch. 18. We celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and encourage parents to attend the Pre School on these special days to take part in activities with their children. 19. We offer ‘stay and play’ opportunities to encourage parents’ interaction with their children. 20. Parents are invited to participate in reading sessions this also assists in expansion of cultural awareness for staff and children, we have a high percentage of Nepalese Children on role. 21. We hold coffee mornings as a small funding opportunity but to also enhance our relationships with parents and carers and increase their knowledge of the Early Years environment.
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
where relevant about: |
|---|---|---|
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | Whilst the introduction of 15 and the 30 hours funded by the Government has been popular and supports those parents who wish to use it our main challenge continues |
| to be attracting new children to the setting and the continued challenge of recruiting suitably qualified staff to meet EYFS ratios. It remains a constant challenge and a fine balance between the number of staff and the number of children on role. |
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| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | The Pre School (SENCO) has been successful in gaining funding via SEN channels and through Surrey County Council to gain additional funding to specifically support our SEN cohort . |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | The number of children on role is worrying low. This is due to a change in occupancy of the resident battalion in Elizabeth Barracks and the different structure of the Battalion which means that not as many families live there as in previous years. In addition, many families choose now to serve married unaccompanied which means that not so many families live in Soldiers Family Accommodation at Pirbright. This drop off in military families has had a significant impact on the number of children we have on role which in turn has impacted our income. We are in a very precarious financial position which has to be very carefully managed. We have cut expenditure to the minimum. We have had various meetings with the MOD and Surrey Early Years and have made the decision that we are no longer viable and will permanently close on the 18 July 2025 at the end of the summer term. Our finances will be managed scrupulously in order that we can remain open until this point and meet all our liabilities. |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | The Pre School is operating at a monthly loss relying on its capital and grants to remain open. We are in a worryingly precarious financial position and have a very low number of children on role which is due to the reduced occupancy of military families in Pirbright. There has been a small but Relatively insignificant increase in the hourly rate paid by Surrey County Council for funded places. This amount allocated by the government is woefully inadequate. Charges are reviewed regularly against other settings in the locality and also after seeking advice from the EY Team within Surrey County Council. Fees are realistically competitive with other local settings but we ensure we remain affordable for service families many of who are Junior Non Commissioned Officers . We have a very strict budgeting regime in place to maintain the stability and sustainability of Peter Pan Pre School. Our numbers have remained very low (Around 16 – 18), this is the lowest number of children on role for many years and this has affected our income. The Military have reviewed our encroachment licence, and we are no longer able to offer places to civilian children that live in the Army Quarters adjacent to the Pre School or locally, this too has affected our numbers on role. We have a series of meetings with the MOD and Surrey Early Years and collectively have made the decision that we are no longer viable and will permanently close on the 18 July 2025 at the end of the summer term. Our finances will be managed scrupulously in order that we can remain open until this point and meet all our liabilities. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Very limited financial reserves are held primarily to cover redundancy payment for one eligible staff member when we close permanently. We are now in a position where we have very limited funds to cover future emergency expenditure. The MOD have been planning to build a new preschool for several years. The timeline has been very fluid, and timelines have slipped considerably since the plan was first muted. It was due to be built in 22/23 with an opening in 2024. The |
| estimated timeline for completion of this project has been cited now as 2028. We do not intend to spend any money on infrastructure projects. With careful management we should be able to remain open until the 18 Jul 2025 in order not to disrupt the EY education of children starting school in Sep 25. |
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|---|---|---|
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £35,091 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | NOT APPLICABLE |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | NOT APPLICABLE |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | See para 1.46 below. Along with the MOD and Surrey Early Years Team we have made the decision to close the Pre School on the 18 Jul 2025 and dissolve the charity. We have explored all other options, but this is the only viable option to avoid being in debt and or facing bankruptcy. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | Income is derived from fees paid for the provision of childcare from Surrey County Council. This is woefully inadequate in the current climate of ever- increasing cost of living and Living Wage Increases. These charges are reviewed regularly to ensure they are current and in keeping with other settings locally. We applied for and were successful in gaining a grant for 35k from Surrey County Councils Army Covenant Fund. This Grant was specifically only to be spent on Recruitment Training and Staff wages. With it we were able to Recruit and pay for two members of staff and pay for the training costs for them and our Apprentice. This Grant was paid in 4 Tranches split over the year and was only paid when we supplied the supporting documentation to evidence the expenditure. This grant was a life saver literally and will allow us to remain open until the end of the summer term and pay our staff accordingly. Had we not received this grant we would have closed in this FY. |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | The additional 30 hours and 15 hours funding did benefit the Pre School and did assist in maintaining financial stability. We have insufficient funds for a contingency fund as we are in a precarious financial position due to dwindling number of children on role so are unable to set aside funds for contingency except for maintaining an amount to cover staff redundancy payment when we close on 18 Jul 2025. The Pre School will continue to offer the NEST pension scheme to all employees and encourages staff to take up this option |
| Para 1.46 | The Army Training Centre Pirbright (Soldier Academy) is predicted to increase in size over the |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
next few years which may see an increase in the number of families on base and therefore a increase in the number of children accordingly and some detailed planning and research has taken place around this. Initially it was envisaged that the future of the Peter Pan Pre School seemed secure as more families, would potentially mean more children. However, significant risk factors have come to the fore in this reporting year meaning the future of the Pre School and Charity is now not viable. The risks are imminent and high and are as follows: Staffing.It is becoming increasing difficult to recruit and retain staff. Working in Childcare and Early Years is not seen as the attractive career option it once was and this is a nationally recognised trend. https://www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2022/12/ofsted- report-highlights-impact-staffing-crisis.As a charity our wages are low in comparison to the Private Sector and with the cost of living as it is staff often cannot afford to remain and leave to find more lucratively paid employment out of the Childcare Sector. Having discussed this with our colleagues in Surrey Early Years this is a common theme across the industry. Also, the fact that we are ’behind the wire’ on a barracks location can be off putting for potential civilian employees who have no experience of the military. We are not easily accessed by public transport. We have tried to engage with local colleges to attract Apprentices, but our location makes this an unattractive option compared to other settings in the locality. We do employ suitably qualified dependents of serving soldiers and officers however with this there is the risk of constant ‘churn’ as they are often only at Pirbright for a posting of maximum of 2 years duration. We have noticed a continued trend this year of poor mental health amongst many of our staff many of whom are young and service dependents. This in turn impacts our staffing levels and ratios as there has been a lot of staff absence this year due to sickness and poor MH. Whether this is as a result of the ‘Lived Experience’ of service families is hard to quantify. Volunteers for the Committee.We are a committee run Pre School and some of our committee members left this year as they were either posted with their serving partner or Spouse or they retired from work and no longer wished to fulfil a voluntary role. Again, the long-term impact of COVID has been a factor in this with people reassessing how they spend their time. It has been a real struggle to recruit the require minimum number of volunteers this is something that the |
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|---|---|---|
Chairperson has addressed with Ofsted and Surrey Early Years. We have been unsuccessful in recruiting any new volunteers to fulfil committee roles and therefore are no longer viable. Children on role. Our numbers are at the lowest they have been for a number of years (around 16) in addition over one third of our children have been assessed as having addition SEN or requirements. Many children have delayed development again in line with current trends in other settings and nationally as a result of lack of socialization during COVID. This has increased the workload of the Manager and SENCO and requires an uplift in staffing on order to work one: one with specific children. Infrastructure issues The Pre School is predominantly accommodated in modular buildings all of which are in a very poor state of repair due to their age (over 30 years old) and a historical lack of proper investment by the MOD. Despite a major renovation project in 2019 where a grant of 250k did improve some facilities recent surveys have found subsidence in one of the buildings which has resulted in its closure. Fortunately, this has not impacted our ability to remain open as the numbers on role are so low that they can be safely accommodated in one building that still meets H & S requirements. Whilst a considerable amount of work has been carried out by the Quartermasters department to look at repair and maintenance options alongside exploring grant options to fund building work against a backdrop of low numbers it has been deemed that this is no longer necessary as we will be closing on the 18 Jul 25. Building of a new facility For a number of years there has been a proposal that a new Pre School/Childcare Setting would be built on the Defence Estate at Pirbright. When this plan was first muted it was anticipated that this facility would be open in 2024. For a variety of reasons this date has continually slipped, and it is now projected to be opened by 2028. However various needs analysis by Surrey Early Years has identified that there may be enough childcare settings in the local vicinity to mean that this new facility may not be required. The location of this new setting ‘outside of the wire’ would have meant that the facility would have been accessible to a wider number of people both military and civilian meaning that the future of a Childcare setting at Pirbright would be secured. However as previously stated the dwindling number of children on role combined with the date of the new build continually
| being put back presents a major risk to the settings continued viability. Rise in Living Wage and National Insurance Contributions The rise in the National Living wage and NI contributions mandated by the UK Government present a challenge for the setting. Against a backdrop of low numbers and a difficult recruiting environment we are constantly reviewing our income and expenditure. Whilst there has been a small increase in the funding, we receive from Surrey County Council, and we have reviewed our charges to ensure that they are competitive with other settings in the local area the inability to significantly increase our numbers on role places the future of the setting in jeopardy |
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| Other | We have worked hard to remain financially viable to meet our liabilities and remain open until the 18 Jul in order that the 10 children that will be starting school will not be disadvantaged. It gives time for the parents of other children who need to continue in Pre School have time to find alternative settings It is anticipated that the Manager and our accounts will be paid in full (Manager will get redundancy) up until and incl the 14 Nov 25. Once all liabilities are paid any remaining funds will be split to Pre Schools that have charitable status. |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 |
Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Unincorporated Organisation |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Elected and appointed by members of Peter Pan Pre School |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | All Trustees complete a DBS check and annual disclosure form, an EY2 Ofsted suitability application and a Charity Commission declaration. They are issued with an induction pack detailing the Code of Conduct, Management Committee Constitution, Job Description for the Officers positions, minutes of the last meeting and AGM. It also provides links to the key childcare and safeguarding legislation and guidance documents. Peter Pan Pre School adopts the Policies and Procedures advised in the guide to Occupational Standard for Management Committee Members of Small Voluntary organisations and Groups and the Charity Trustees Handbook. Trustees have completed training run by Surrey Early Years Business Team for Pre Schools in the Charitable Sector and attend meetings with Surrey Early Years advisors as appropriate. |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | The Pre School operates in a building owned and maintained by the Ministry of Defence under an Encroachment Licence. The Management Committee consists of serving and retired members of the Armed Forces, as well as parents of current and former children who attend the Pre School. All the Trustees are volunteers and do not receive any payments of expense for their time and commitment. All major financial decisions including staff salaries and wage increases, pensions and bursary applications are decided by the management Committee. The Manager adheres to a strict budget and all additional |
| expenditure must be justified fully to the Committee before agreement is given. All grant applications are generally completed by the Chairperson or Treasurer. |
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|---|---|---|
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | We have been well supported again this year by the Commanding Officer and Chain of Command at Pirbright and they have assisted us in conducting surveys and needs analysis but collectively they have supported the decision that the only course of action available to us now is to close the setting on the 18 Jul 2025 as the Charity is no longer viable and able to support itself. They have made us aware of any funding opportunities and have the Community Engagement and Development Officer (CEDO) has been instrumental in assisting us with making contacts for volunteer days and recruiting opportunities. We now feel that we have a very supportive and collaborative working relationship which will help us navigate the challenges and difficulties ahead of us. |
| Other | We have worked hard to remain financially viable to meet our liabilities and remain open until the 18 Jul in order that the 10 children that will be starting school will not be disadvantaged. It gives time for the parents of other children who need to continue in Pre School have time to find alternative settings It is anticipated that the Manager and our accounts will be paid in full (Manager will get redundancy) up until and incl the 14 Nov 25. Once all liabilities are paid any remaining funds will be split to Pre Schools that have charitable status. |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Peter Pan Pre School |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | |
| Registered charity number | 10622788 |
| Charity’s principal address | Peter Pan Pre School Alexander Barracks Pirbright Brookwood Woking SURREY GU24 0QQ 01483 798264 |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carol Miller MBE | Chairperson | |||
| Lena Breunig | Secretary | |||
| Karen Brennan | Committee Member | |||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets held in this capacity Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) | Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) | Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of adviser Name Address |
||
| Surrey EY | Melissa Tome | Melissa.tome@surreycc.gov.uk |
| MOD | Sam Dyer | Samantha.Dyer107@mod.gov.uk |
| Independent examiner |
Warner Wilde Limited |
4 Marigold Drive, Bisley, GU24 9SF |
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Carol Miller Full name(s) Carol Miller MBE (Major Retired) Position (eg Secretary, Chairperson Chair, etc) Date 9 Nov 2025
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ The Peter Pan Pre-School Pirbright members of
On accounts for the year 31 March 2025 Charity no 1062788 ended (if any) Set out on pages 1 and 2
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 March 2025.
- Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
-
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:
Date: 17/12/2025 ~~|~~
Name: L J Dunford ~~PC~~ Relevant professional FCCA CTA qualification(s) or body:
Address: 4 Marigold Drive
Bisley
GU24 9SF
~~ee~~
October 2018
1
IER
CHARITY COMMISSION i Fllk IN(JlANL) AND IVAI Its Peter Pan Preschool Pirbrlght Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the pfrriod from To 0110412024 3110312025 Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Endowmènt funds Total funds Last year to th• n•amt tt4 th• nrat £ to th• nMr•*i e to th• n•ar•ot £ A1 Receipts Fees Bank Interest Other Snacks Grants 78.315 262 78,315 262 659 183 1.902 3).250 1,902 33,250 Refunds Sodèxo & Child c8r8 vouchers 14 647 647 Sub total (Gross income for AR) 114.292 114,292 87,48 A2 Ass•t and investmenl sales. Iseo table). Sub total 114,292 114.292 87,480 A3Pa mènts Salari85 Pensions Oth81 Qxpendilure 88,013 4,013 13 88,013 4.013 13 82,888 3,924 118 Sneck$ Insuronco Coursas G8iden 8qUIPm8nt Uniforni Ottica oxponsès IT an¢ phone Bank ond othèr eharg•s Travel Faes relund Accountancy f88$ Slaff loan Donations lo chaislies Cleoning Evenls & fundraistng Bookkeeping Resources and activile5 910 1.02# 910 1,414 1,294 496 1,639 240 1,029 906 2.189 2,039 988 1,749 69 791 2,18# 2.039 988 1,749 69 791 2,510 1.600 617 1,950 768 66 66 60 177 177 6,000 857 6.000 867 6,000 Sub total 109.796 109,795 106,574 A4 Asset and inv8stmont pufchases, Isee table) Sub total Total payments 109,795 109.796 105.574 Net of recelpts/(payments) A5 Transfefs berween funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end CCXX R1 accounts ISSI 4,497 4.497 18,094 28,094 32.591 28,094 32,591 18.094 1311112025
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unieslricled funds Restricted funds to n••mi e Endowment funds to n•af•Bt £ 81 Cash funds Curnent 5,000 D8P05iI 27,563 Cash Total cash funds 32,591 (agree recwts and payffents accwntisl} Unrestricted funds to ne•re•t e Restrict funds Endowment funds to n¥4r••t e Del%iil8 to n•qr•8t £ Fund to whlch ••••t b•lon cuOnI v•lu• Co¥t lopUon•ll Fund to wh1¢ •8$•t b•lon Curr•nt valu• tlonall Co•t loptlonall B4 Assets retained for th charity'8 own use Fund to whl¢h T•1•$ Amount du• onal Wh•n du 85 Liabilities Signed by one or two trustees on behalf Qf all the trustees Date of appToval Signature Prinl Name C M¥ller MBE CCXX R2 accounls ISSI 1311112025